Crystal Palace fullback Joel Ward appreciates his senior role within the squad.

Coming up for a decade at Selhurst Park, Ward has been moulded into something of a father figure in the dressing room too. Suddenly the squad around him is a young one, with talented, hungry players keen to make their mark.

“I like to think that I can add and help and encourage and build up some of the younger players," he told Palace's website. “To have an impact on how they do things, and just encourage them to express themselves.

“They are such talented players. To go out there and make a name for themselves – if I can come alongside people and [help them] do that then [that would be] amazing.

“When I think about my time as a young professional, I had countless players who helped me as well, and guided me at times throughout my career. I would love to be able to return that favour.

“With any change, there are always challenges that present themselves. I think we've got a great balance. Obviously we saw some big characters leave in the summer, but we've got big characters still here and big characters that have joined.

“I definitely think there's some great cohesion in the squad, and as we develop and as we grow, and learn more and play more together, then there's going to be a stronger bond going forward as well."